China, who first infected its citizens with the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) and later spread to thousands globally, had the World Indoor Athletic Championships cancelled by the International Amateur Athletic Federation (IAAF). The event was supposed to be held in Nanjing, China from March 13 to 15. Citing a “complex and fast-moving set of circumstances”, the IAAF said the spread of the virus is at a concerning level.
Last Sunday, the 2020 Tokyo Marathon was held on empty streets. More than 35,000 runners were supposed run around the streets of Tokyo, but the organizers limited the race to elite runners only of about 200. The volunteers of the event were also reduced, while the spectators were requested to not gather along the race route. Japan had more than 250 cases of COVID-19 infection, recording six deaths. The London Marathon, scheduled on April 26, will seriously consider following Tokyo’s example.
Italy is Europe’s center of the COVID-19 outbreak with more than 2,000 cases of infection and over 70 deaths. In response, the Italian government declared that all sporting events around the country will be held in stadiums without spectators for at least a month. This includes the matches in Serie A football. With 11 towns quarantined, the government hopes that this measure will help to contain the spread of the disease.
Motorcycle racing skidded to a halt. Andrea Dovizioso of Italy was last year’s MotoGP champion. The travel restrictions, especially on direct flights from Italy had cancelled the first two races of the MotoGP season in Qatar and Thailand. The season’s opening race was supposed to be held this Sunday in Doha’s Losail International Circuit.
The Public Health Ministry of Thailand cancelled the second MotoGP race two weeks later, saying serious measures are taken to combat the spread of the disease among Thais and foreigners coming to witness the most famous motorcycle race in the world.
On the other hand, for the wrestling fans, World Wrestling Entertainment’s (WWE) Wrestlemania 36 remains as scheduled in Tampa, Florida on April 5, but the COVID-19 is also threatening it. WWE CEO Stephanie McMahon said, “The health and safety of not only our fan base, but also our superstars really does come first. We don’t want to put anyone in a bad situation ever, regardless of circumstance. Those are not risks worth taking.” The biggest show in sports entertainment is continually gathering information and will be imposing measures if the need arises.
Finally, the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) had cancelled two events – the 1st East Asian Championships supposedly held on February 27 to March 1 in Seoul, South Korea and the Junior World Championships in Bucharest, Romania on March 13. Because of Kazakhstan’s proximity to China, IWF relocated the Asian Championships to Uzbekistan. Hidilyn Diaz will be competing in this event.Never before in my recent memory that a lot of sporting events were so affected by the severity of the COVID-19./PN
